Chapter 307

In the main hall, though the party had yet to officially commence,the hall already thrummed with a low hum of conversation and the gentle shuffle of footsteps,like waves lapping at a quiet shore.

Verena, weary from the twin companions of pregnancy-fatigue and hunger-rested comfortably on a sofa in the lounge.

At her side sat Isaac, holding a bowl of freshly prepared cereal he had just ordered from the kitchen.

Clad in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, graceful frame, he carried himself with quiet dignity; the silvertie clip at his collar caught the light with a discreet gleam.

With steady hands, Isaac lifted a spoonful of cereal,blew on it gently, and offered it to Verena, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Here, try this. The temperature should be just right."

Verena's lips curved into a soft, sweet smile as she opened her mouth obediently, tasting the food. "Hmm,it tastes wonderful," she murmured.

His gaze lingered on her, deep and steady, as if a tranquil lake had mirrored his thoughts.

He raised another spoonful to her lips. "If you like it,have some more. It'll give you the strength you'll need for your speech later."

Verena nodded lightly, savoring each bite with deliberate calm.

After swallowing, she looked up, her smile radiant."Don't worry, love. The baby hasn't made any fuss today. I'm feeling just fine."

Hearing this, Isaac's lips curved in quiet relief. He unfolded a paper napkin and carefully dabbed the corner of her mouth. "That's good.Seems our little one already knows how to care for their mother. Still,you were on your feet quite a while greeting the guests. Once we're home tonight, I'll massage your feet."

Verena responded with another warm smile, her eyes glistening with contentment.

The return of the Sampson family's daughter had already stirred quiet waves of attention. Since Verena's entrance, many eyes had discreetly followed her.

Now, seeing this tender exchange, the onlookers ' curiosity deepened, their glances growing more frequent. Not far away, a young woman in a sleek black gown whispered to her companion, envy lacing her tone,"Who would have thought the Sampson family's daughter would marry such a remarkable man? Even though he's disabled, he's striking,broad-shouldered,and-above all-devoted. Look how he gazes at her;it's as though they've stepped out of a romance film."

Her companion followed her gaze, catching Isaac's affectionate eyes fixed on Verena, as though the entire world had shrunk to just the two of them.

The companion nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Yet somehow,I feel I've seen her husband somewhere before."

She frowned, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, across the room, a woman adorned with a glittering diamond necklace widened her eyes,her voice rising in astonishment. "Isn't that Isaac Bennett,the heir of Shoildon's most powerful family?"

Her words rang clear, drawing countless heads in their direction.

At her side, a bearded middle-aged man let out a teasing chuckle. "You've only just realized? Isaac Bennett usually keeps a low profile, but tonight he steps into the light-just to accompany his wife.Seems the rumors about him being a 'devoted husband' hold water after all."

No sooner had he spoken than a ripple of exclamations swept through the hall, and discussions erupted.

"So he's the young CEO of Bennett Group, the one who carved his name in the business world at such a young age-even that terrible car accident never dimmed his brilliance."

A middle-aged gentleman in a sharp suit shook his head slowly, admiration shining in his eyes.

"I never imagined the Sampson family's long-lost daughter would be his wife."

"True," a short-haired woman chimed in. "Word has it that under his leadership, Bennett Group leapt into overseas markets within mere years, expanding its influence far and wide. It's no stretch to call him a rising star."

Just then, an elderly man leaning on a cane, his hair silvered by time, spoke in a measured drawl."The achievements of this couple leave us all in their shadow."

His words drew every gaze toward him.

Dressed in a finely cut suit with ornate buttons glinting at his collar, he radiated authority and quiet respect. He was Emiliano Ramsey, a towering figure in the Ochrerayd business circle.

A young man in a gray suit could not resist asking, "Mr.Ramsey,what makes you say that?"

Emiliano's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Take Isaac, for example. He was not yet twenty when he stormed into the business world, daring to confront seasoned giants. Back then, the financial arena was turbulent; established powers closed ranks to choke out fresh blood. Yet Isaac did not shrink back-like a calf unafraid of the tiger, he leapt straight in. Through bold and innovative moves, he carved out Bennett Group's place in finance and triggered reforms that reshaped the industryitself. Legend after legend was born of his defiance. Tell me,how many can match that courage and wisdom?"

A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd.

Emiliano paused, his eyes sweeping the guests with meaning, before adding, "And Verena-she is no ornament clinging to her husband's success. Perhaps you haven't recognized her yet. She is Evelyn Rowe,the internationally renowned medical expert."

At those words, silence blanketed the hall, broken only by startled gasps.

All eyes turned toward Verena,filled with disbelief. "I knew she looked familiar, but I couldn't place her.So she really is Evelyn!"

A young woman clapped her hand over her mouth in astonishment. "Heavens! I've heard of Evelyn's genius -curing impossible illnesses, developing anti-cancer drugs. Who could imagine she's the Sampson family's lost daughter?"

A man in gold-rimmed glasses adjusted them, his tone brimming with respect. "Indeed. At last year's International Medical Forum,Evelyn presented her groundbreaking work on precision medicine-causing a global sensation, giving hope to countless patients.To think this legendary figure now stands before us."

Among the guests, a female doctor trembled wvith excitement, her voice unsteady. "She's been my idol for years. I've studied her papers over and over,learning so much. What an honor to see her in person tonight!"

All the while, Sherwood had been quietly observing.

But when Emiliano unveiled Verena's identity as Evelyn,he faltered.

The crystal wine glass in his hand froze mid-air; the red liquid rippled gently, betraying the shock etched across his face.